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Makhubele Probes Suspected Spy Activity in COJ’s Investigations
Johannesburg’s Speaker of Council, Colleen Makhubele, has initiated a comprehensive investigation into what she has termed “spy activity” within the city’s internal investigations department. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Makhubele revealed the discovery of boxes containing spy equipment secured within a safe at the Group Forensics and Investigation Services (GFIS) building as reported by Eyewitness News.
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Makhubele suspects that this counter-military equipment, acquired during the tenure of former mayor Herman Mashaba in 2019, may have been utilised for the surveillance of city councillors. In light of her belief that she was subjected to unauthorised surveillance, Makhubele took action in July by appointing an independent investigator to investigate the matter.
GFIS, established during Mashaba’s administration and once overseen by former Hawks head Shadrack Sibiya, now stands accused of employing “counter-military” gear to intrude on the privacy of councillors and city officials.
Advocate Sesi Baloyi, the designated investigator, is anticipated to release her findings in the coming months. Makhubele affirmed that the investigation would encompass several areas: equipment, GFIS operations, and the scope of authorised and unauthorised investigations conducted.
In highlighting a possible lapse, Makhubele mentioned that the previous administration had apparently needed to have acquired the requisite licenses for employing the spy equipment.
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